Use code SUMMERPRACTICE for a 25% discount on all On Demand Courses through August 31.

On Teachings and Teachers

With Martin Aylward recorded on March 17, 2018.

Found our teachings useful? Help us continue our work and support your teachers with a donation. Here’s how.

People often ask about the importance (or not) of working closely with a teacher. One can benefit greatly from general meditation instruction, but personalised guidance from someone who knows you and your practice well can be deeply helpful.

In this session, Martin speaks about approaching teachers for guidance and about the dynamics of the teacher-student relationship; the promise, the potency, and the possible perils and pitfalls.

Listen to the audio version below, or click here to download the mp3.

Discussion

Leave a Reply

Discover more from the Dharma Library

  • Simplicity: The Heart of the Dharma

    Simplicity underlies Dharma practice. It’s common that when people begin to meditate, even if they have a full life with a job and family, they begin to realize that simplicity is a deep value. Pursuing conventional goals feels less meaningful or satisfying than finding ease and straightforwardness in our approach to life. Simplicity cuts across…

    Read More

  • Deborah Eden Tull - Senior Dharma Teacher

    Our sensitivity is our greatest strength.

    Being human is an inevitably vulnerable experience. The challenge lies in being taught that there is something wrong with us for feeling as sensitive and vulnerable as we do, We learn to cover up or numb out our sensitivity.Practice teaches us to turn towards, rather than away, from vulnerability, and allow it to affirm the…

    Read More

  • Lisa Ernst

    When the Path Becomes Natural

    Much of the time, the path of meditation and awareness must be worked with intention, realigning ourselves with the teachings, with practice, lovingkindness and compassion. Other times, the path may become an effortless, natural part of our lives. We will explore the ways our practice feels easeful and our intentions metabolized and also how we…

    Read More

  • photo of Martin Aylward smiling

    How awareness frees: Vitaka Vicara Viveka

    Worldwide Insight Founding teacher Martin Aylward returns to lead his first class of the year. Martin looks at how different elements of attention can meet, explore and hold experience, allowing for insight, spaciousness and increasing freeness in the midst of experience.

    Read More

  • Ralph Steele

    Embodying cultural diversity: dancing with the basket of virtue

    Our Sangha has been predominately white since it branched off from the Asian countries. This Dharma talk offers a path for deeper inquiry and greater insight into how we can embody cultural diversity. The Eight Noble Truths will guide us toward a healthier way of conducting ourselves in the arena of cultural diversity, taking a…

    Read More